RCA type cables and XPA-5

alphaone
alphaone Posts: 26
edited May 2009 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I got my XPA-5 amplifier several days ago and I am impressed. But I have a question about RCA cables: I connected RCA type cables by KnuKonceptz.com, Krystal Kable 1M Twisted Pair RCA Cable item KRY2, for the front channels, from the pre-outs of my AVR to the XPA inputs.

When I turned on the XPA, the corresponding 2 channel’s lights on the XPA start to blink and no sound, it shuts off. The two KnuKonceptz interconnects are attached to each other. Then, I connected the same type of cables using 2 pairs, but using only one side and leaving the other side unused. The two front channels now played OK.

With a multi-meter I measured the cable’s resistance looking for anomalies like short-circuits or one of the two wires being common to another on the other side. I found nothing wrong, the only thing is that they run next to each other. Why doesn’t the amp work with them? It seems the amp doesn’t’ like attached cables because I connected single cables to it and no problem but these are order and cheaper cables I had.

What type and brand of RCA cables are better? I don’t want them to be very expensive.

My system is an Onkyo 805 AVR, XPA-5, 4 LSi15, and 1 LSiC.

Also, how do I connect the 12V control between the Onkyo and the XPA?

Thank you
Post edited by alphaone on
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Comments

  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited May 2009
    Sounds like a problem with the IC but not sure why you would not see it with the multi-meter. When you used the 2 pairs and had it working, did you remove the original cable completely and try using the twisted pair of the second cable? Seems like I have read of some issues with some cables and Emo amps, I think it had to do with the capacitance IIR but it's early and I haven't had my coffee yet.

    The XPA 5 uses a standard 3.5MM connector you can get at RatShack. But I think the 12v trigger on the Onk is only triggered when zone 2 is selected.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2009
    http://signalcable.com/
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • acsubie
    acsubie Posts: 773
    edited May 2009
    Yea seems the xpa is picky as to the type of ICs it likes. When I first got my xpa, the ben's silver ICs that worked perfectly with my LPA were not working with the xpa. Ended up switching to all signal cable silvers and they worked.
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2009
    acsubie wrote: »
    Yea seems the xpa is picky as to the type of ICs it likes. When I first got my xpa, the ben's silver ICs that worked perfectly with my LPA were not working with the xpa. Ended up switching to all signal cable silvers and they worked.

    Ahhh, I'm dealing with a fussy xpa as well. must be the ICs or the way I have them hooked up. the journey continues...
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited May 2009
    There are a few threads over on the Emotiva forum about the pickiness of the XPA's ... I would check there for more info.
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited May 2009
    I'm using Blue Jeans with mine --- sounds great.
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